Cory Joseph – Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are currently 4-18 and will be picking in the lottery of the NBA Draft for the third consecutive year. Rookie Cade Cunningham is starting to come into his own and look like the franchise-changing talent Detroit drafted him to be, but overall, the Pistons are just lacking overall talent on their roster.
This team is second-last in the league in scoring average per game (98.9) and they rank 29th in the league in offensive rating. At times, they do play well defensively, but other than Cade Cunningham, Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey, this team really does not have the talent to be competitive in this league.
Seeing as they are one of the youngest teams in the league and last year’s first-round pick Killian Hayes is their longest tenured player, a lot of learning is going to take place within this organization over the next several years. General manager Troy Weaver has done a good job at setting up building blocks for success, but unfortunately, playoff-caliber teams are not built overnight in Detroit!
All of these young players on their roster are still learning and developing, which is why getting them as much experience this season is essential. As a result, the Pistons could very well look to move some veteran players on their roster, including Cory Joseph.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Stars In Need Of More Help At NBA Trade Deadline
The Pistons re-signed Cory Joseph in the offseason after initially waiving him, but they really do not have a need for him anymore. Joseph was acquired by Detroit ahead of the trade deadline last season from the Kings and since joining the Pistons, the veteran guard has averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.0 steals and has shot 47.4% from the floor.
Cory Joseph is not a flashy name for teams to begin a bidding war over this season, but he is a consistent backcourt piece that can play at least 20 minutes a game off-the-bench.
Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes, Frank Jackson and even Saben Lee are all young pieces in this Pistons’ backcourt right now, so Cory Joseph really does not fit in anymore.
They could keep Joseph as a mentor for these young guys as they continue to gain playing experience, but the best thing the Pistons can do for themselves is build for the long-term and move Cory Joseph for either a draft pick or another young talent.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Stars In Need Of More Help At NBA Trade Deadline
Making just $4.9M this season and then having a player option of $5.1M for next season, Cory Joseph is definitely a key facilitator that many playoff teams will show some interest in over the next month.
